The Georgia Bulldogs (5-3) host No. 20 Arizona State Sun Devils (7-1) on Saturday night in a huge non-conference game for both teams and their respective conferences.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 12-day break from final exams. Georgia enters a pivotal stretch in its schedule that starts with playing possibly one of the most complete teams that it will face all season.
Arizona State’s lone loss came against No. 7 Nevada where the Sun Devils surrendered a 15-point lead and fell by six points to the Wolfpack. The Sun Devils are traveling across the country and will play their first true road game of the season at Stegeman Coliseum.
Players to Watch
Luguentz Dort (Arizona State)
One of the reasons why the Sun Devils have been successful in the early stage of the season is because of Luguentz Dort. He has been the operator of the Arizona State offense and tearing apart opposing defenses.
He is the Sun Devils leading scorer and averaging 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game. The 6-4 freshman guard is a projected first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The key to stopping Dort is to stay in front of him because he will get out of control. When Dort gets out of control, he will turn the ball over with charges. However, he will blow by and penalize defenses who allow him space. Dort could have a huge game against a Georgia backcourt that has proven to have liabilities.
Zylan Cheatham (Arizona State)
The Bulldogs’ frontcourt will be dealt with the difficult assignment of guarding veteran big man, Zylan Cheatham.
The 6-8 forward is one of the most complete players in the Pac-12. He has quick post moves, great court awareness, and can dominate inside with his physicality.
Georgia head coach Tom Crean says that Cheatham is one of the most impressive offensive rebounders that’s he seen. Cheatham is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game.
He completed a triple-double earlier this season against Texas Southern.
Tyree Crump (Georgia)
The spark in Georgia’s offense so far this season has been junior guard, Tyree Crump. He has been a “Microwave” for the Bulldogs because he has had spurts where he has scored on three or four consecutive trips.
Crump has shot above 50 percent from the 3-point line in four games this season and has had three games where he has hit three or more triples.
He has been more consistent than his previous two seasons at Georgia which is why the Bulldogs offense has been more efficient so far this season.
Crump is going to need to have a big game if the Bulldogs want to defend their home court against the Sun Devils.
Nicolas Claxton (Georgia)
Crean’s new up-and-coming star may be 6-11 sophomore forward Nicolas Claxton.
Claxton has been nicknamed the “Slim Reaper” by a couple of Georgia fans because of his lanky stature, shot blocking ability, and athleticism which has proven to be a nightmare for opposing players.
He is getting the job done on both ends of the floor. He is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per game. Claxton has had three double-doubles this season and four outings with 3 or more blocks.
Coach’s Perspective
On Monday during his radio show, Crean discussed the matchup against Arizona State. He said that Arizona State is a sound, fundamental, and well-coached team. The key to beating the Sun Devils is to make shots, block out, and avoid letting them get to the free throw line.
Wells’ Prediction
This is a toss-up game and will come down to the final minute. The home-court advantage in this one will be beneficial to Georgia because the Bulldogs will get off to a strong start and get the crowd involved.
Claxton and Derek Ogbeide will help the Bulldogs outplay the Arizona State frontcourt but the absence of a lockdown defender in the backcourt will cost Georgia this one. Crump and the Georgia backcourt may have their moments but they will not be able to stop Dort.
In years past, the Bulldogs have had stellar on-ball defenders in Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker. However, this year’s team does not have an outstanding defender.
Georgia is still trying to find its identity on the defensive end which will cost them in this game. Unless Teshaun Hightower or Jordan Harris can stop Dort, Arizona State will walk out of Stegeman Coliseum with a road victory.
This contest will be close for the majority of the game but ASU’s guards will make a couple of crucial plays down the stretch to help the Sun Devils sneak out of Athens with a win.
Predicton: Arizona State 77 Georgia 75